Derry boss Rory Gallagher has described Galway as “a really forceful outfit” ahead of the two sides All-Ireland SFC semi-final showdown on Saturday evening.

The Oak Leafers are gunning for their first Sam Maguire Cup decider since 1993, having scored 10 goals in their five games so far.

Speaking to RTE Sport ahead of Saturday’s clash at Croke Park (throw-in 5.30pm), Gallagher says he knows his team will have a battle on their hands at headquarters.

"They have real quality in their team, real quality in their forwards. I also think that Pádraic (Joyce) has revitalised their full-back line; they now have better quality defenders and better ball players.

"He now has a settled midfield - Cillian McDaid and Paul Conroy - which he didn't have for a number of years. Kevin Walsh had them at a good level and then they slipped back a little back but Pádraic and his management team has energised them. They are now a really forceful outfit."

On what a win this weekend would mean to his team, the Enniskillen native added: “It would be massive; it's the ultimate honour in our game to play in an All-Ireland final. We are evolving into a top level team. If we can fulfil our potential we can enjoy a lot of good days."

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